There were signs of life in the housing market as mortgage lenders revealed a surge in the number of first-time buyers taking out new loans in October. A total of 20,000 buyers took their first step on the housing ladder during the month, 14% more than in September. However, brokers warned that the high level of deposits required by lenders meant "what we're currently seeing are the transactions of the privileged few."

As the countdown to Christmas gathers pace, the less organised among us are approaching the time when a last-minute dash round the supermarket is the only obvious option. Not so Joanne O'Connell. As she approaches her first festive season since she decided to give up on Tesco and its supermarket rivals she has bread in the freezer, potatoes in the garden and a stash of recipes to get her through – but she wants your advice on what snacks to make and where she can get hold of some last-minute items. You can share your tips here.

Daft deals

Photograph: Nick Moore

I love a Christmas bargain, and the chance to save money by buying books in bulk for family members always catches my eye, but I'm probably going to say no to this multi-buy deal from WH Smith. Thanks to Nick Moore who spotted this in Hinckley.